To whom much is given... (6/8/19)

ECU Pirates Abroad-AKA change makers

Today was another thought-provoking day. We were exposed to some of the unfortunate examples of when an entity with power ostracizes those without power and tries to mute their voice.

We were taken to a community that some might call shanty, slums, or ghetto. It was dirtier and more neglected than the other areas we’ve seen in Seoul. It is owned by people who have restrictions against them being able to improve their property or economic situation. That would explain why it hasn’t progressed as well as the parts of the city who are not subject to the same restrictions and regulations.

Why would a government want to suffocate a community? I don’t have an answer because we only heard one point of view today. I’ve been told that there are 3 sides to every story-this side, that side, and the truth. I don’t have enough information to draw a conclusion, but I do know that displacing the undeserved and marginalized population does not solve the problem of poverty. It only moves the problem somewhere else. 

I am strongly for having green areas for people to enjoy. Green areas have been shown to decrease crime and improve health. But what if the same green space displaced those who were simply surviving and not thriving? What if the green space was politically motivated for a person to gain power and not altruistically motivated for the health and well-being of the community it will be placed in? 

In the words of John F. Kennedy, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” I feel it applies to elected officials as well as the city and unelected officials as well. A community, whether big or small, encompasses a great diversity of people and the amount of income they earn should not reflect the amount of their worth as a human being. Making the community better for those who have chosen to live there should be our goal. If crime is a community issue, then find out what is the root and correct the problem. If urban blight is a community issue, then find ways to help a community improve. No one solution will fit every neighborhood, but every neighborhood can have a solution. 

Since knowledge is power, those of us exposed to this information now know better, and we have the responsibility to do better.  My desire is that everyone from this class be change makers for the better wherever we go.